Beginning in the new school year, the preschool program at Fort Riley will expand from four to five days a week.
Although the first day of school is still about seven months away, parents may want to start researching if the classes are an option they would like to consider. Sacha Johnston, Unified School District 475 media relations coordinator said. Parents should contact the district as soon as possible to start the process of evaluation and placement for their students.
“Even if their child is not quite of the age, we encourage them to reach out to the early childhood center,” she said. “Because … you don't just show up to preschool with your kids on the first day and drop them off.”
Parents can expect a process of evaluation and screenings of their child’s development. The testing is to determine placement for the child.
“They don't want to put children who are not quite as advanced in talking or other areas in a place with kids who are very advanced and talking,” she said. “They want to make sure your children are placed with other children at the appropriate levels that they have.”
Stephanie Bogenhagen, the principal of the Early Childhood Program, said the district added three preschool classes on post this school year. Morris Hill, Fort Riley and Ware elementary schools have the classes. Next year they will add three to schools in town and the expectation is to eventually have at least one in each school.